Vikings edge Appononoquet and Norwell, to advance to the Round of 8
By Cary Shuman
It took three overtimes in one game and an incredible two-goal surge in another game, but the Winthrop High School hockey team has earned its spot in the Round of 8 in the MIAA Tournament.
Following super-scintillating victories over Apponoquet (4-3 in triple overtime) and Norwell (3-2), the Vikings will play No. 4 seed Littleton today (5 p.m.) in Framingham for a berth in the state’s Final Four.
Before jammed-packed crowds at Larsen Rink, the No. 5 seeded Vikings staved off an upset bid by No. 28 seed Apponoquet and then rallied with goals late in the third period to defeat Norwell.
Winthrop unleashed 62 shots on the Apponoquet goalie, but he kept his team in the game and led it to a sudden-death overtime.
Sophomore Joe Pumphret ensured that Winthrop would earn the right to play another day when he broke away and split the defense for a shot on goal that bounced right back on his stick. Pumphret then adroitly one-timed the shot into the back of the Apponoquet net.
In addition to his game-winning goal, Pumphret also helped the Vikings attack with two assists. Senior captain Phil Boncore had two goals and an assist. Sophomore Breadon Lounsbury netted a power play goal. Senior Aidan Survilas had three assists, including one on the game-winner.
Winthrop goaltender Mike Donahue was outstanding, especially in the second overtime with the season on the line.
Saturday’s game with Norwell was equally dramatic before a sell-out crowd at the Larsen Rink at the Mike Eruzione Center.
Donahue once again stymied an opponent with some fantastic saves, most notably using his glove hand on some blistering shots by Norwell.
After a scoreless first period, Boncore rose to the occasion again with a goal, assisted by sophomore Rick Mackenzie. Norwell answered right back to tie the game at 1-1after two periods.
Norwell scored with four minutes to play to take a 2-1 lead. With the Vikings’ season on the line, senior Mike Holgersen scored a goal to tie the game at 2-2, assisted by sophomore Paul Ferrara.
But the Vikings provided one more moment of sheer joy for their many supporters. During a power play opportunity, Survilas, a defenseman, unleashed a shot from the point that beat the Norwell goalie and set off an eruption of cheers from the student rooting section, especially. Holgersen unselfishly directed the puck to Survilas, who took advantage of a double-screen in front of the net to record the game-winner.
Dunbar proud of his team’s fortitude, intensity
“We faced adversity, but we found a way to win,” said head coach Dale Dunbar. “We got great plays from Holgersen, Survilas, and Philly Boncore’s first goal was incredible.”
Dunbar was most satisfied by the level of intensity in which his team is playing in the tournament.
“This time of year, there’s no regrets. There’s no holding back, and the foot’s on the gas,” said Dunbar. “We don’t care who we will play. If we play the way we’re supposed to play, we’ll beat anybody. So I’m very confident that if we come out skating and playing our game against Littleton, we’ll beat Littleton and play another day.”
Dunbar said Mike Donahue has continued the excellent play in net that earned him All-Conference recognition.
“Donny’s been great, but the guys in front of him have been great, too,” said Dunbar. “Our defense played flawless hockey – Nikita Rossi, Aidan Survilas, Paul Ferrara, and Ricky Mackenzie. All four played gutty minutes, made great plays, and they’re out there every other shift in tough situations. Defense wins championships, and we always say it’s a game of three, so if we can get to three goals, we’re going to have a good chance to win with our goaltending.”